Connecting People with Christ

Purpose & Values

by Pastor Dennis Webber

We have spent some time together as a family looking and learning together about our Purpose and Values. In a world of hurting people and limitless “good ideas” about how to make a difference, these words become our guide regarding how and why we present Jesus’ message to our community and beyond. We have committed them to print and declared them publicly as part of our commitment to stay on mission with God.

While it is unlikely that many (any?) of us will commit them fully to memory, we have reduced them down to three key statements that summarize who we are and what we are up to.

Hospitality - “There You Are!”

The first is “There you are!” Hospitality, not as a function of entertainment but as an expression to others of their value both to God and us is significant to living out our stated values. To honor and prefer one another above ourselves is how the Apostle Paul says we are to interact. The very core of hospitality is the affirmation of others through words and deeds of personal kindness.

Family - “Here We Are!”

The second is “Here we are.” In a disconnected culture full of failed family units, having a sense of family connection and safety is huge to our sense of purpose and mission as a church. As the Apostle Peter reminds us, we are to love one another deeply from the heart. The opening song to the old sitcom Cheers reminded us that everybody wants to go where everybody knows your name. Where we connect, where we belong, by default becomes family for us regardless of the circumstances of our birth. We who have been born again into the family of God need to connect with one another at a deep level that strengthens our sense of purpose and belonging.

Mission - “Here We Go”

The third is “Here we go.” Each of us has been created in the image of God for the express purpose of accomplishing good works that reflect the glory of God on the planet. These good works are always a together endeavor. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. The first missionaries were a team – Paul and Barnabas – called out by God and sent by the Church into the world. We have a destiny to accomplish and we can only do it together.

As we move together with God and with one another to bring the message of hope and reconciliation to the world, if we can remember these three things and use them to evaluate our thoughts, words, and deeds it is likely that we will fulfill our purpose in ways that are in keeping with our values. So if you cannot remember the exact wording of the Purpose or remember all nine of the supporting values, just remember that your response to others should be “There you are” when you see them, “Here we are” as you are with them, and “Here we go” as we work with them to proclaim good news to our community.

If you would like to learn more about Parkway Christian Center, read a little about our founding history, learn our core beliefs, or download our Purpose and Values statements, please visit www.parkwaycc.com/about

Parkway Purpose

Building a multi-generational Christian community that is Christ-centered, Holy Spirit inspired, biblically literate and obedient through a personal relationship with Jesus that changes us so we can change our world.

Congregational Values

Integrity & Excellence - 1Timothy 4:16

Ruthlessly Biblical - 2Timothy 3:16-17

Dependence upon the Divine/Miraculous - 1Corinthians 2:1-5; John 14:10-11